U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced that this month's Satellite Town Meeting (April 16, 8-9 p.m. EDT) will explore how communities across the nation can work to ensure that all high school students possess the academic and technical skills necessary to transition successfully to college and enter meaningful careers.

He also encouraged parents, educators, business leaders and others to watch the monthly program and take part in activities in their communities.

"No matter what type of degree or certification a person may hold, continuing education past high school graduation is the key to expanding individual career opportunities and success in the 21st century economy," Secretary Paige said. "Yet, millions of high school youth are reading at very low levels, and too many students need to take remedial courses during their first year of college — with almost half dropping out by the end of their second year.

"The new No Child Left Behind Act calls on our nation's schools to demand high achievement from all students, from pre-kindergarten through high school. I encourage parents, educators, business leaders and others to watch this program and to take part in efforts that ensure our high school students are prepared for success in school, on the job and in life."

During the hour-long program, host and Education Undersecretary Eugene Hickok will cover issues such as:

• How should we teach reading to high school youth to improve their literacy skills?
• In what ways can internships, project-based learning, and technology enrich the high school curriculum?
• What types of student support mechanisms and programs are successful in helping all students meet academic standards upon graduation?

Joining Hickok will be Carol D'Amico, assistant U.S. education secretary for vocational and adult education; Jim Connell, researcher at the Institute for Research and Reform in Education in Toms River, N.J.; Jesse Register, superintendent of the Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Gloria Pelzer, principal of Germantown High School in Philadelphia.

Questions from the public are welcome and encouraged. Viewers may call a toll-free number during the live broadcast or submit a question online (visit http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/schedule.html).

The Satellite Town Meeting is a live, interactive television program on education reform. Produced monthly during the school year in partnership with the National Alliance of Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Committee for Economic Development, the show provides practical advice about community efforts to improve teaching and learning.

Contributing sponsors include the Bayer Foundation, Target Stores, Riverdeep Interactive Learning and the Procter & Gamble Fund. Broadcast and cable partners include Discovery Communications, the Public Broadcasting Service, and Channel One. Use, duplication and distribution of the Satellite Town Meeting are free and unrestricted.

To view the Webcast or to learn more about other program features, visit http://registerevent.ed.gov/downlink/NewServices.asp or call 1-800-USA-LEARN. For a list of local and national downlink sites and broadcast partners, as well as a listing of future show dates for the season, see the Satellite Town Meeting Web site at www.ed.gov/inits/stm/stm-abt.html.

WEBCAST: http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/schedule.html

SATELLITE COORDINATES:
C BAND: Satellite: Galaxy 4R; Transponder/Channel: 21C;
Orbital Location: 99 degrees West;
Downlink Frequency: 4120 MHz;
Polarity: Horizontal; Audio: 6.2 and 6.8

KU BAND:
Satellite: Galaxy 10R; Transponder/Channel: 24K;
Orbital Location: 123 degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 12180 MHz;
Polarity: Horizontal; Audio: 6.2 and 6.8

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